Invitation for a drink 

--

Just as the morning arrived, Solanne had this puzzle expression. She tilted her head, feeling as if something was missing. Realizing what it was, she heaved her breath and looked at the clock. It was eight in the morning. She could hear some noises coming from the kitchen. Hence, she decided to get up early. 

With her hair still a mess, Solanne walked down the stairs to the kitchen to find Yael. Just as she was expecting, he was there, making his coffee. "Morning," He greeted. "Want some coffee?" 

Solanne nodded and headed towards the fridge to get some water. Just as she was about to transfer the water to her cup, she noticed a few cans of beer sitting there. She doesn't remember buying one or if Vincent has given yesterday. 

She pushed the matter aside and sat on the kitchen stool. She looked at Yael, studying his expression and even his mood. He seemed to be happy first thing in the morning. 

Is she the only one thinking something was off? 

When Yael put down the coffee he made for her, she asked, frowning and quite confused. "Did you dream of something last night?" 

Yael smiled as he shook his head. "Nope. That's why I sleep so peacefully. Perhaps those dreams are finally over?" He guessed. 

Solanne wasn't convinced by Yael's conclusion. She felt like something was off. Still, since no harm was done, she put such thoughts aside and enjoyed her morning coffee. 

"Do we still have some leftover bread?" Solanne asked after her first sip, thinking a lovely dessert or bread would be good. 

Yael pointed to the fridge with his head. "There's still some left. The apple pies are mine, tho." 

"How many apple pies left from last night?" 

"Just two. It's mine. I won't share." 

Solanne stared at Yael. She raised her brow and couldn't help but roll her eyes. "You like it that much?" 

He grinned. "Yes." 

She shook her head and opened the fridge. She smiled, seeing there was a cake. She grinned from ear to ear as she took the cake from the refrigerator. "Cake first thing in the morning?" Yael grimaced. 

Solanne ignored him and happily walked to the living room, holding the cake in her left hand and the coffee in her right hand. It's a strawberry shortcake! Of course, she'll eat it first thing in the morning! 

She sat down on the carpet and opened the TV. Yael sighs as he grabs the cat's wet food and prepares their food. 

The two cats were obediently waiting for their food as they meowed. Solanne watched Yael prepare the food as she took a bite of the cake. The moment the cake landed on her tongue, she felt like she was melting. Her cheeks turned red, and she made this happy little dance, her hands shaking like a child. 

"You like it that much?" Yael teased. Solanne ignored him. 

"Just feed the babies! Look at them waiting!" 

Yael chuckled as he crouched down and gave the two cats food. Solanne focused her attention on the TV. The first channel that popped up was a crime series. It was a documentary of detectives solving crimes from serial murders. 

The first was a group of teenagers daring each other to play and hunt for ghosts at an abandoned house. Solanne's eyes were glued to the TV as she devoured her cake. She was pretty interested in such shows, and they were even more interesting as she tried to guess the killer in her mind. 

In the middle of the interrogation of the witness and detectives, suddenly, another cake was placed on the table beside the cake she was eating. 

Solanne raised her gaze, her eyes asking. "I feel like that cake won't be enough," Yael teased. Solanne rolled her eyes as she happily accepted it. 

Yael sat down on the sofa and sipped his coffee. "You always watch those kinds of movies. Are you planning to become a serial killer?" 

Solanne scoffed, yet there was a playful grin on her face. "Research, Yael." 

Yael eyed her as if she was crazy. He even distances himself from her by a few inches. 

She chuckled, continuing, "It's just interesting. Since this is true to real life, it just blows my mind about these things." 

"Don't you pity the victims?" Yael inquired, sipping his coffee. 

"I do. There were some series where I was really invested and searched online as I wanted to know what had happened to the killer. Thankfully, he was punished. Still, these shows also provide insights and ways to protect ourselves if we end up in the same situation." 

Solanne took another bite of the cake. "You should also learn a few tricks and solutions. You are an idol and an actor; many people want to see you fall." 

"I know," Yael answered back, looking at Solanne's head, but she didn't look at him. Her attention was on the television. He sighed and added, "What are your plans for today?" 

It took Solanne a few minutes to answer. "Laundry and some reading. I'm planning on doing some research, too." 

"About what?" 

"About what I should do next," she answered vaguely. "What about you?" 

"I have nothing in mind." 

Solanne chuckled; she glanced at Yael. "Then clean the house." 

"Eh?" 

A paused. They stared at each other. 

"What?" 

"Fine." 

Solanne smiled at him. "Thanks." 

Throughout the whole morning, they spend their time watching the documentary series, and occasionally, they exchange their opinions and thoughts about who the killer is. Throughout the series, Solanne learns that Yael can scream like a girl, and she'll tease him for life about it. 

--

Through the afternoon, Solanne started to do some laundry after lunch since her clothes were limited. She then hung them outside to dry, and she was so happy seeing the sun come out, shining so brightly. 

Just as Solanne had finished the laundry and went inside, the cats were already taking their afternoon nap, and Yael was already finished cleaning, and he was also taking a nap with the cats. Looking at them like this, Solanne was envious but told herself she would start today's first step. 

Hence, she headed to the bedroom and took out the notebook she had always used to jot down all of her ideas and the things she wanted. She let herself loose on her thoughts, what she wanted, and what she wanted to do in her life. 

She wrote everything down, and no one was stopping her. Suddenly, the feeling had become unbearable. She felt her chest tighten, and she felt weird inside her stomach. She felt like everything was possible. And that her surroundings were full of life, cheering her up. 

And the feeling was overwhelming her. Solanne feels like she can start again, but it's unbearable, and she feels like choking. Her smile was on her face, yet she was crying. 

Suddenly, she looked at herself. 

She chuckled no more, like giggled. So carefree. So childlike. Suddenly, she looked at herself in the mirror, and finally, a moment passed as she realized that she was herself again. 

And she was thankful for that. She grabbed her journal. And jolt everything down. She wanted to remember this moment. 

She wanted to write down her thoughts at that moment. 

--

Solanne spent a few hours inside her bedroom. She had written more in her journal and even more in her writing notebook. She had started brainstorming about the things she wanted to write, but still, something inside her told her she should write this experience. 

The pandemic. Although she knew that many people were suffering, Solanne just wanted to treasure such a moment like this. And wanted to reflect on her thoughts. 

And how she ends up being stuck with an idol and an actor inside a cabin. 

She would read such a plot. She wanted to write things she wanted to read. 

However, right… she laughed at her thoughts. At the end of the day, despite her thoughts, feelings, and aspirations, the word 'however would still pop out. Solanne sighed and decided to go downstairs. 

Surprised as she was, she smelled something good coming from the kitchen. She raised her brows and playfully asked Yael, " You cooked?" 

He shrugged. He was wearing an apron. "I tried. I thought a good soup would help us tomorrow, so I searched for the recipe you tried once. The tinola one. It was easy to make. Though I don't know if I did—"

"Can I try?" Solanne excitedly muttered. She felt her heart flutter, seeing that Yael cooked this meal. Yael nodded. He looked tensed for some reason. 

Yael nervously scoops some soup and lets Solanne taste it. 

Solanne didn't prolong Yael's agony as she put both of her thumbs up. "It's delicious. Just right." She complimented, but Yael couldn't help but sigh in relief. He unconsciously respects Solanne's comment since she's an excellent cook, and it's been a few days, and she's constantly feeding him. 

He's a little bit embarrassed. 

"It's delicious, but what was the soup for?" 

This time, it was Yael who grinned. "Let's drink."

"Alcohol?" Solanne guessed, remembering the cans of beer inside the fridge.

Yael nodded as he started to prepare the table. "Marcus, Vincent's friend, gave me some. So," Yael's voice drifted. 

Solanne chuckled. ""Fine by me. Let's eat first." 

--